New cue or old

J510

J510

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello, I'm new to the forum but not to the game. After a 15 yr break I'm starting to play a few times a week again. I have a Mcdermott D21 that I purchased new in the late 80's. It is in excellent condition and plays great. I'm looking to either upgrade this with a new LD shaft and send it to Mcdermott for service and a leather wrap or just purchase a whole new cue. I was looking at the Mcdermott G502 which is around $450. I'm also considering buying my friends Predator 5K with 2 314/2 shafts in perfect condition for $500. Going to shoot with it later today to see the difference theses new LD shafts make. My question is am I better off keeping my Mcdermott original and possibly selling it or modifying it. Are the older cues made better than the new ones? Also, what is a fair price for the used Predator 5K w 2 shafts? Sorry for all the questions and the long post. Thanks in advance for any advice...
 
would not modify a D-21 as it has more value if left original as purchased. On McDermott cues most believe the older cues like yours are a little better than ones being made today. As for the Predator it would take 2-3 weeks of getting used to compared with what you hit with now. For the 500 you are talking about spending you can find many used custom cues here on Azbilliards. Takes time and experimenting with different cues hit to find what you like the best. The holy grail of pool cues is a lifetime adventure. Good luck looking.
 
Keep the mcD as it is, and either get an LD shaft, I prefer American made, or I would suggest a nice sneaky or plane Jane with a stiff taper and a honey colored shaft. $500 can buy you a fair amount of cue, especially before SBE. If you really want a predator, buy an old joss and throw a 314 on it.

Have you tried a G-core LD shaft made by McDermott?
 
PDX said:
Keep the mcD as it is, and either get an LD shaft, I prefer American made, or I would suggest a nice sneaky or plane Jane with a stiff taper and a honey colored shaft. $500 can buy you a fair amount of cue, especially before SBE. If you really want a predator, buy an old joss and throw a 314 on it.

Have you tried a G-core LD shaft made by McDermott?
Click to expand...

I haven't tried a G core but I hear they aren't much different than a standard maple shaft.
 
At the end of the day, if you like how the D21 hits and plays, stick with it. I don't see a need to change your shaft to LD unless you just want the experience. Just because something is new doesn't mean it will be better for your game. I have tried the LD shafts and I still miss the same shots I did with my maple shaft.

The cool thing about old cues is that they are old. The woods used years ago was probably superior to the woods used today.
 
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